Former Springbok fullback Thinus Delport has signed a contract to play for the Kubota Spears in Japan.

Delport played 18 Tests for the Springboks after making his debut against Canada in 2000, scoring three tries in his career. He will finish the season with the Worcester Warriors in the Guinness Premier League, after starting his career in England with Gloucester.

“Thinus is playing some of the best rugby of his career but is going to Japan where they only play 14 games,” director of rugby at Worcester, Mike Ruddock, told the BBC.

The 33-year-old could make his 100th Premier League appearance against Leicester on Saturday.